Ancient Romans at Pompeii burned exotic incense from India, study shows

The ancient Romans at Pompeii knew how to throw a good house party – even for their household gods and ancestral spirits. An analysis of the ashy residue found in incense burners in homes well-preserved by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago reveals that domestic sacrifices included the burning of wine as well as of a resin that was likely sourced in India.